In 1933; the town of Norvelt became the fourth of 99 planned subsistence homestead communities subsidized by the federal government as part of the National Industrial Recovery Act for dislocated miners and industrial workers. The American Field Service Committee was recruited to implement and build the subsistence project and established a work camp in the summer of 1934. More than 1;850 people applied for 250 lots; and the first 1;200 homesteaders helped build their own homes on a lease-to-purchase agreement. Homes were equipped with a grape arbor; 3.4 acres of land; and chicken coops. Cooperatively; homesteaders established community garden plots and raised livestock; hogs; and chickens. A format of cultural; political; and religious expression was provided to the residents; and through vintage photographs Norvelt: A New Deal Subsistence Homestead celebrates the remarkable life transformation the homesteaders were able to experience during the towns formative years.
#1587842 in eBooks 2009-06-29 2009-06-29File Name: B0099IHAWA
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy JeanMost of my family was born and still remain in this area.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Like going back homeBy Joy BellI saw pictures of my grandmother. my grandparents farm. some uncles. and two houses where I once lived. I learned about the places where I grew up and enjoyed the memories it stirred up. Thank you George for your good work. From an old piney.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Glad my town is included in this seriesBy Jill HurleyNot many people know where Shamong is located. even those living in nearby towns. I have lived here for 26 years. and it is lovely to see the history of the township laid out in this book. I was excited to see some of my ancestors in the book. It is very well written and includes excellent photographs. Shamong. New Jersey is a wonderful. quaint place to live. and I am thankful that others can now read the history of it. I highly recommend this book.
